Comboni Family Day in Portugal

Wednesday, June 14, 2017
On June 10, the day of the Angel of Portugal, we gathered with various members of the different branches of the Comboni Family – Secular Comboni Missionaries, Comboni Sisters and Comboni Missionaries – to celebrate with great joy and for the first time the Comboni Family Day. The event took place at Óis de Ribeira (Fermentelos – Águeda) and gathered about 50 missionaries. Following the hugs of those who meet in a spirit of family, the program began with the Eucharist held in one of the rooms of the Comboni house of Fermentelos. I must confess that the environment reminds me of a true cenacle of Jesus, thanks to the simplicity that distinguishes the entire place.

On June 10, the day of the Angel of Portugal, we gathered with various members of the different branches of the Comboni Family – Secular Comboni Missionaries, Comboni Sisters and Comboni Missionaries – to celebrate with great joy and for the first time the Comboni Family Day. The event took place at Óis de Ribeira (Fermentelos – Águeda) and gathered about 50 missionaries.

Following the hugs of those who meet in a spirit of family, the program began with the Eucharist held in one of the rooms of the Comboni house of Fermentelos. I must confess that the environment reminds me of a true cenacle of Jesus, thanks to the simplicity that distinguishes the entire place.

Lunch followed, and a get together at the Pateira de Óis de Ribeira, where we could take advantage of the pleasant sunny day, conversing, sharing life experiences, singing and enjoying nature. It was interesting to note the similarity of the beauty of Pateira, where there is a large lake, with Lake Garda where St. Daniel Comboni grew up.

This was a day of sharing in order to celebrate the fertility of the Comboni charism 150 years from the founding of the Comboni Missionaries. And “how beautiful are the feet of those who announce peace,” and to be able to be so close to each person who makes up this great Family and fall in love with it, thanks to the great heart of each one who was there on that day.With love, Carolina Fiúza